Googins, Duane George Age 86 of St. Louis Park MN, went to his Lord May 4, 2019 in his home, surrounded by family & friends. Born in St. Charles, Minnesota to Leonard & Winnie (Nihart) Googins, he led a long and happy life, giving & receiving his precious gifts of time & love to all he met. Duane was 3-sport Letterman & captain of the track team, graduating from Anoka High School in 1951. A merry prankster with his friend Paul Johnson, they spent countless hours enjoying the spirit of youth with a wide group of friends, teachers & extended family. Duane enlisted in the US Navy & was discharged with honors as Petty Office First Class, serving on the USS Trathen in the Korean War as a Fire Control Technician. He was a prized shipmate, known as a trusted friend that would take care of his mates. Duane leveraged the GI Bill (with a letter of recommendation from Hubert Humphrey) & enrolled in the U of M after his service, as the first member of his family to graduate from college. Living in housing with his young family, he was elected Mayor of University Village. There he earned his Bachelor, Masters & Specialist degrees becoming one of the first 3 School Psychologists in MN. He worked for 31 years as Special Education Director & School Psychologist in the best little school district in Minnesota, St. Anthony. His talents with people and ability to network helped him build numerous creative programs for all children. He taught at conferences & universities around the world & was the President of several organizations including the MN Reading Assn, MN School Psychologist's Assn & U of M College of Education Alumni. He was an adjunct / visiting Professor at Hamline, U of M / Duluth, St. Thomas, St. Mary's, & the University of Victoria, British Columbia. As a young Father, Duane encouraged the development of his children through church, travel, sports, schooling, the critical role of commitment to family & a mandatory Saturday morning task list. He enjoyed camping & the spirit of the campfire as a Scout Leader in Boy Scouts of America troop #317. Post retirement, he continued his commitment to serving his community. He and his wife Gail were deeply involved in fund raising & board responsibilities through the St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP). He also served on the MN United Methodist Conference Board of Trustees & Foundation. He was a faithful member of Aldersgate United Method Church, mentoring youth & providing welcome to all who entered its doors. Duane and Gail shared their faith, commitment to service, love of dancing, travel (visiting nearly 80 countries), gardening & family. With us in spirit and our hearts, he remains a centrist Democrat, philanthropist & proud liberal supporter of members of society in need. Duane is survived by his wife Gail Miller; children Marsha (Carlos), Matt (Patty), Gretchen (Matt), daughter-in-law Kris (John); grandchildren Kelsey, Lindsey (Ryan), Audrey, Brenna Mae (Brandon), Ryan (Jordan), Hannah, Ezra, Amelia; great grandchildren Bria, Bennett, Ainsley, Blake and Finnian, two more grandchildren on the way, and his first wife Janis Beckman, mother of their children John, Marsha and twin brother Matt. Proceeded in death by his son John, sister Edith, brothers Dan, Jim & Michael. Loved by countless extended family members, friends & colleagues. Memorial service will be held at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 3801 Wooddale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55416 on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at 12 PM. Visitation prior to the service at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are encouraged to the University of Minnesota College of Education, Aldersgate United Methodist church, St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP), or the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

Published on May 7, 2019